Carers Wellbeing Fair supports those who support others

Across Wandsworth, around 18,000 people provide unpaid care for their partner, family, friend or a neighbour.

A carer is a person who provides unpaid care to someone who is older, disabled or seriously unwell – physically or mentally. Many carers do not even know they are carers and may not prioritise their own health and wellbeing.

That is why the Carers Wellbeing Fair was set up, to support people who spend their lives supporting others.

A number of professionals representing local organisations came to speak with carers about their needs and how they could be help them including:

• Age UK Wandsworth
• Public Health
• South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust Talking Therapies
• South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust Involvement Team
• Wandsworth Lifelong Learning
• Wandsworth Carers' Centre
• Work Match
• Enable
• EMHIP: The Ethnicity and Mental Health Improvement Project
• Sound Minds
• Wandsworth and Richmond 0-19 services, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
• Thinking Works
• Richmond and Wandsworth Council Waste Team
• Healthier You NHS Diabetes Service
• Wandsworth Stop Smoking Service
• Healthwatch Wandsworth
• MindWorks

More than 30 professionals attended and over 60 local residents visited throughout the afternoon to explore the stalls, connect with services and meet fellow carers.

There were interactive events such as chair yoga and a talk from a former carer and peer support worker at the Wandsworth Carers' Centre about practicing self-care while in your role. Local businesses also contributed to a free entry raffle, where local residents had the chance to win prizes including a year free gym membership donated by Enable, 2x tickets to see any show at the Clapham Grand, a £20 gift card for Pear Tree Cafe and a collection of books from Waterstones.

Councillor Daniel Ghossain, Cabinet Member for Health said: "One of our highest priorities is making sure that these unsung heroes in the community get the help they deserve. Events like this support improving the mental and physical health of people who dedicate their lives to helping others."

Wandsworth Council has worked with unpaid carers to develop the Wandsworth Adult and Young Unpaid Carers’ Charter. The Charter sets out priorities that statutory authorities, voluntary and community groups, and all local organisations can pledge to work towards to make sure that local carers are supported in the way that is appropriate for them.

If you are a carer or think you might be find out what support is available.